COSHH ASSESSMENT FAQs

What substances does COSHH apply to?

• Those classified as dangerous to health under the “CHIP” Regulations i.e. substances classified as very toxic, toxic, harmful, corrosive or irritant
• Substances with a Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL)
• Any biological agent if it is directly connected to the work (e.g. pathogens in laboratories, legionella in air conditioning, weil’s disease from contaminated water)
• Dust, if its average concentration in the air exceeds the levels specified in COSHH
• Any other substance not mentioned above that creates a risk to health

  

How can substances harm one’s health?

Some typical examples include:

• Dermatitis
• Occupational asthma
• Skin irritation
• Lung diseases / respiratory illnesses
• Burns from corrosive substances
• Occupational cancers

How can I find out the hazards?

• Read health and safety data sheets which must be provided by suppliers and manufacturers (try Googling MSDS followed by the name of the substance)
• Check the label
• Use information from within your industry; trade literature; published guidance
  

How do I control the risks?

Aim to eliminate the substance or find a lower hazard alternative substance. If this is not possible, implement measures in the following order:

FIRST: By the design and use of appropriate systems, equipment and processes, e.g.:

• Use a pump instead of pouring liquids
• Store chemicals correctly to avoid spills and accidental mixing

SECOND: By the control of exposure at source, for example:

• Enclose the whole process
• Use a dust or fume extraction system

THIRD: By the provision of personal protective equipment if necessary in addition to the above measures, for example:

• Goggles
• Gloves
• Respirators

AND In addition:

• Provide training, information and instruction
• Provide supervision where necessary
• Use safe systems of work
• Minimise the number of people exposed to the risk